Welcome to Women’s Aid Orkney

We are here to provide free and confidential support to women and children  affected by domestic abuse.

Contact us 

Our office hours are 9am – 4.30pm. 

Phone: 01856 877900

Email: info@womensaidorkney.org.uk

Need support, information or advice outside of these hours?

Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline can provide information, advice or support at any time of day.

Call: Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234

Email:  helpline@sdafmh.org.uk 

Or visit: sdafmh.org.uk

It’s an emergency? 

Call the police on 999

Your Right to be Safe

Everyone has the right to be safe and free from abuse. And yet domestic abuse crosses all social boundaries and is committed by all types of people from all walks of life. That means it can happen to anyone. So, if it is happening to you, remember you are not to blame, and you are not alone. You can get free and confidential support from Women’s Aid Orkney! 

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse refers to abuse or violence that happens within intimate relationships. It might be between partners, ex-partners or other family members and can include:

• Physical violence
• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degredation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical violence)
• Stalking and harassment
• Digital and online abuse
• Revenge porn
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse

If you are experiencing any of these things and want to get support for yourself and/or your children, please phone or email us and we’ll arrange a time and place for you to talk. Remember, you have the right to be treated with respect, regardless of your age, sexuality, class, race, culture, disability or religion.

How does WAO support women?

Our team of Women’s Support Workers will provide emotional and practical support.  Initially they are there to listen to you. From there they will work with you so that you can stay safe and live a fulfilling independent life. They can also provide advice on a range of things, like accommodation, financial and legal support. We can also provide separate support for your children. And if you decide to leave your current situation, we can work with you to do so safely, and may be able to offer you (and your children) a place in our refuge. You can  find out more about our services, other organisations who can help, and how to stay safe here on our website.

How does WAO support children & young people?

We understand that fighting at home can affect children and young people too. It can be scary and you might have a lot of other feelings too. We have a team here especially to help you. Our Children and Young Person’s Support Workers work with lot’s of boys and girls who have gone through difficult times at home.  You can have sessions on your own, or with your brother/sister. You will get to play and do art as well as talk about whatever you want. These sessions are all about you!

I'd rather not talk

How we help you is up to you. If you’d rather not talk, we also have a library of books, videos and training material for the public to borrow. You can use this to find out more information about domestic abuse. The material in our library covers a wide variety of subjects including:

• supporting women,
• helping women and children understand domestic abuse,
• training materials for professionals,
• being assertive,
• relaxation and stress.

You can also find some information on how to stay safe on our website along with links to other resources and organisations.

Supporting Friends and Family

Do you have concerns about someone close to you?

If so, the important thing is to make sure they know that you are there to listen without judgement or blame. Let them know that they can talk to you if and when they need. Keep in mind that there are many reasons why someone remains in an abusive relationship.  Making a decision to seek help or to leave can be very difficult and in some cases dangerous.  Be patient and supportive whatever they decide.

Would you like to better understand what they are going through?

Women’s Aid Orkney has a library of books, videos and training material for the public to borrow. The material in our library covers a wide variety of subjects including:  supporting women, helping women and children understand domestic abuse, training materials for professionals, being assertive, and relaxation and stress. You can also find some information on how to stay safe on our website along with links to other resources and organisations.